Pea And Macaroni Soup
A comforting pea and macaroni soup with smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for a quick, hearty meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium pot.
- Add diced onion and bacon strips, cook until browned.
- Add salt, pepper, parsley, and drained tomato wedges; cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Add drained green peas and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a simmer.
- Cook macaroni separately until al dente, then drain.
- Add cooked macaroni to bowls, pour hot soup over, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can substitute frozen peas for canned ones if you prefer a fresher taste. Additionally, using whole wheat macaroni adds more fiber. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Purple Potato Salad for a colorful plate. Garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out, as the macaroni may absorb some liquid. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea And Macaroni Soup contains roughly 702 calories, with 23g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1993mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You may also want to add some diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni, other pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini work well in this soup. You could also use gluten-free pasta if needed, just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).